Marilyn Joyce Hopkins, 72, of Taft, Tennessee, passed away Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, at her home under the loving care of her daughter. Joyce was born March 17, 1951, in Topeka, Kansas, to the late Earl and Mary Wemmer Hudgens. She retired from Bellsouth AT&T as part of the engineering department, and was a member of Unity Church of Christ.

Survivors include her daughter, Merri Christine Turner; stepchildren, Patricia (Curtis) Neal, Leslie (Leata) Hopkins, David Hopkins, Tommy Hopkins; siblings, Peggy (Newell) Hobbs, John (Esther) Hudgens, Susan (Tom) Welchel, Laura Wright Hardy (Tom), Julie Kenimer; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Hopkins.

A private burial will take place at the Neeley Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Fayetteville-Lincoln County Animal Control, 1718 Pulaski Highway, Fayetteville, TN 37334.

Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Marilyn Joyce Hopkins.